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Development of Multiplex Real-Time RT-qPCR Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and MERS-CoV
Published on: November 10, 2023
Detecting respiratory viruses in asymptomatic children
Sonali Advani1, Arnab Sengupta, Michael Forman
1Divisions of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|June 29, 2012
Summary
Molecular assays offer improved detection of respiratory viruses in hospitalized children compared to conventional methods. However, results in children without symptoms require careful interpretation due to high positive rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Virology
- Diagnostic Microbiology
Background:
- Viral respiratory infections (RVIs) are a leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations in the US.
- Comparing diagnostic methods for RVIs is crucial for effective patient management.
- This study evaluated molecular assays against conventional methods in hospitalized children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance of molecular assays and conventional diagnostic methods for detecting respiratory viruses.
- To assess viral detection rates in hospitalized children with and without RVI symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 569 hospitalized infants and toddlers.
- Conventional tests (immunochromatography, DFA, culture) and nucleic acid tests (NATs) were performed.
- Viruses were categorized into routinely (group 1) and not routinely (group 2) detected by conventional methods.
Main Results:
- NATs identified viruses in 83% of symptomatic children versus 49% with conventional methods (P < 0.001).
- In asymptomatic children, NATs detected viruses in 41.7% compared to 4.4% with conventional methods (P < 0.001).
- NATs showed higher sensitivity for group 1 viruses in both symptomatic and asymptomatic children.
Conclusions:
- Molecular assays demonstrate superior sensitivity and speed for respiratory virus detection.
- High prevalence of positive NAT results in asymptomatic children necessitates cautious interpretation.
- Molecular diagnostics hold promise for improving RVI diagnosis in pediatric populations.
